When we think of our Fallen Heroes, and the mothers and family members mourning their loss, finding words to express our sorrow can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Sunday, September 25th, is Gold Star Mother’s Day. Though words may be hard to find, there is something we can do on this very important day of observance. Join us on September 25th and honor the families of our Fallen Heroes—display a Gold Star luminary.

The Gold Star Mother's Day Luminaries are an eye-catching way to show your support. They are very simple to make with just a few inexpensive items.

Display your Gold Star luminary on Sunday evening, September 25th, 2011.

Caution: For outdoor use only. Never leave your home while your luminaries are lit, and make sure the luminaries are far away from anything that could accidentally be set on fire.

To make your own luminaries, you will need:

• Tea candles
• White paper bags, lunch-sized
• Small scissors or star-shaped paper punch
• Star pattern
• Sand
• Long lighter (like you’d use for the grill)

Step 1
Pick a location for your luminaries that is far from anything that may catch fire. Place one luminary at the end of your drive, or use several to line an area or street. They should be placed about 2-3 feet apart. Measure the area and divide by 2 (or 3 according to your preference) to get the number of luminaries you'll need to make.

Step 2
Unfold the bags. Fold the top 1/2 to 1-inch of the bag down over itself. Fold again. This will stabilize the bag.

Step 3
Trace about a 2-inch five-point star on the bag, near the top, just under the fold you made above. Cut the star out on one side of the bag only. If you have a star-shaped paper punch, that would be ideal. Keep the cutout near the top to avoid letting drafts in that will blow out your tea candle if it's breezy outside.
(You can free-hand or use the outline provided here. For a larger star pattern, click here.)

Step 4
Fill each bag with 1 inch of sand, approximately 1 cup. It keeps the luminary from blowing over and helps to safeguard against fire.

Step 5
Place the bags outside where you would like them. Don't light them until just before nightfall.

Step 6
To light your luminaries, settle one tea candle into the sand in the center of each bag. With the long lighter, light the candle. If you don’t have a long lighter, light the candles before placing them in the bags.

Extinguish the candles before you turn in for the night. Be careful picking up the bags the next morning in case they've gotten damp. You don't want the bottom to fall out.

Caution: For outdoor use only. Never leave your home while your luminaries are lit, and make sure the luminaries are far away from anything that could accidentally be set on fire.